November 24, 2023

Today's Reading: James 5:7-11

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 8:18-9:12, Matthew 23:13-39

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. (James 5:7)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The church year is almost over and we are moving to where we hear about the end times.  That’s what James is reminding us today.  I’m not a farmer, but I have grown plants. There can be a long time in between planting and the harvest when you don’t see much of anything. There needs to be the right amount of rainfall, sun and time for the crop to mature for harvesting. The farmer needs to be patient. But in the end, he knows the harvest is coming.

James is telling us Christians that Jesus will return. Hold on. Hang on. Just be patient. Our Lord is coming. You have his word on it.

“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord.” When the Lord comes He will judge the living and the dead.  When the Judge comes in, what will he find?  Will there be fruit or a dried up plant?

Take heart.  Jesus is the sower of the seed who has planted His cross for the life of the world.  His cross is the vine in which you are the branches and by His precious blood He bears all good and righteous fruit in you.  The harvest is coming, be patient, the sower of the seed has cared for you His dear creation. In Him you have life, you have fruit, you are part of His good and gracious harvest. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O Savior, rend the heavens wide;  Come down, come down with mighty stride; Unlock the gates, the doors break down;  Unbar the way to heaven’s crown.  (LSB 355:1)